TITUS ANDRONICUS

Shakespeare's first Roman play rivals GLADIATOR in gore. It features a steady parade of violence, revenge, rape, mutilation, and even cannibalism. The tragedy of two feuding families may be best enjoyed as an action-packed melodrama, which is how director Clive Brill smartly interprets it. This wonderful performance ranks with the best recorded Shakespeare. Thrilling organ chords underscore moments of tension and nicely supplement the atmospheric music by Dominique Le Gendre. The entire cast performs their larger-than-life roles with a grandness that never becomes hammy. Their sharp diction is also a continual pleasure. The villains are the most fun, especially Harriet Walter, whose Tamara is deliciously guileful. G.H. Winner of AUDIOFILE Earphones Award. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/MAY 01]